Ingredients

• 4 1/2 cups flour
• 4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup chopped dried mixed fruit
• 1 cup raisins or 1 cup sultana
• 3 cups coconut, grated (not dried or sweetened)
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon, ground
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, grated
• 2 eggs, well-beaten
• 1/2 cup evaporated milk
• 2 teaspoons almond essence
• 1/2 lb butter (melted) or 1/2 lb margarine (melted)

Instructions

1. Mix and sift flour, baking powder and salt four times.

2. Add sugar and fruit; blend evenly.

3. Add coconut, cinamon and grated nutmeg and stir well.

4. In another bowl combine the whipped eggs, milk, essence and cooled melted butter. Mix well.

5. Make a well in the flour mixture.

6. Pour the egg mixture into the well and stir with a spoon. Batter will be heavy and mixture will be fairly stiff.

7. DO NOT KNEAD or bread will be tough. Mix entirely by spoon, assisted by a knife.

8. Pile into 2 non-stick or greased loaf tins.

9. Bake at 325 degrees for 50 - 60 minutes or until an inserted skewer comes out clean.

10. OPTIONAL: When done, glaze with mixture of 1 tablespoon sugar and one tablespoon water. Sprinkle with granulated sugar and Return to the oven for 3 -4 minutes.